Commander Adama (Lorne Greene): Commander of the Galactica and thus the military leader of the "rag tag" fleet searching for Earth.

Captain Apollo (Richard Hatch): Son of Adama and nearly a Boy Scout ("Morally straight..."). He gains and loses a wife (Serina) and gains a step-son (Boxey). He later gets another love interest in Sheba.

Lieutenant Starbuck (Dirk Benedict): The lovable scoundrel is Apollo's best friend and an ace pilot.

Lieutenant Boomer (Herbert Jefferson Jr): Starbuck's co-conspirator in circumventing Apollo's orders when it comes to putting their own lives at risk for the greater good or Apollo's safety.